Search For City Manager Creates Long List Of Musts

April 29, 1997|By Jeff Coen.

NAPERVILLE — As Naperville leaders approach a summer of searching for a new city manager, they admit it will be tough for candidates to fit the profile they have organized to help choose a new head staffer.

"I think we are looking for God," said Naperville Mayor George Pradel. "Well, maybe not God, but we are looking for someone who walks on water. We are looking for the top."

Pradel said the Naperville City Council, which will screen all candidates, is obviously looking for someone with the appropriate education and experience. But Pradel said it will be things that are not normally on a resume that will lead to finding a replacement for outgoing City Manager Ronald Miller.

Pradel, who would like the position filled by October, said the city wants a good listener with a lot of energy and an innovative style. He said the new manager will have to have a sense of the history and heritage of Naperville and have a sharp sense of humor.

"When people come in to meet the manager he should be someone who can ease the tension," Pradel said. "Sometimes people can be so monotone you don't ever develop any feeling toward them. In this city there is a feeling of friendliness and a small town atmosphere."

The City Council, which includes former mayors Sam Macrane and Margaret Price, organized the profile by examining the five city managers Naperville has had since switching forms of government.

Miller was honored at his final City Council meeting April 15 after seven years in Naperville. He is scheduled to begin working next month as top administrator in Aurora, Colo.